Police warning after bogus callers trick way their into Brentwood house

POLICE are urging people to be aware after bogus callers tricked their way into a house in Brentwood.

On Tuesday, May 27, a man claiming to be from the water board knocked on the door of a property in Whittingdon Road, Hutton, at around 10.30am.

A woman in her 70s, who lives in the property, let the man in. Once in the premises it’s believed another man snuck in behind, went upstairs and stole almost £500 in cash and some jewellery.

The man who knocked on the door is described as white, in his late 40s, wearing dark clothing and shoes.

Dci Paul Maleary from Brentwood CID said: "I would urge all people to ask anyone knocking at the door for identification. Unfortunately bogus callers do operate. If you are suspicious, report it to the police.

“Most people who call at your home will have a genuine reason for doing so but by taking a few simple precautions you can protect yourself and your home.”

Anybody with any information about this incident or who may have seen anybody acting suspiciously in the area is asked to contact Brentwood CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police have given out the following advice to help residents stay safe:

• Don’t be frightened to ask for identification and always check it carefully. If you’re not sure, ask them to come back another day.

• Think about installing a door chain and use it. Keep the door on the chain until you’ve seen identification.

• If you need your glasses to read the identification, close the door before going to find them. Don’t leave the door open and unattended.

• Remember to lock the back door before opening the front.

• Don’t be pressured into letting someone into your home if you have suspicions.

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standardards Organisations's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a compaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here